The King Cobras venom is a neurotoxin, capable of killing humans. The mortality rate can be as high as 75%, however, most bites involve nonfatal amounts. Their venom is not the most potent among venomous snakes, however, the amount of neurotoxin they can deliver in a single bite - up to two-tenths of a fluid ounce (seven millilitres) - is enough to kill 20 people, or even an elephant. Fortunately, king cobras are shy and will avoid humans whenever possible. King Cobra snakes are fiercely aggressive when cornered or provoked.
King Cobra venom, which is composed mostly of proteins and polypeptides, is produced in specialized salivary glands just behind the snakes eyes. When biting its prey, venom is forced through the snakes half - inch - long (8 - 10 millimetre) fangs and into the wound. Although the venom is less toxic than that of many other venomous snakes, including the Indian Cobra, a King Cobra is capable of injecting more venom than any other snake except the gaboon viper. In fact, a King Cobra can deliver enough venom to kill a full-grown Asian Elephant in 3 hours.
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